This Yogi Inspires People with Mental Illness

- Yoga is widely known to have not just physical but also mental benefits for the body

- This woman who suffers from PTSD, anxiety, and depression used yoga to bring back peace in her life

- Heidi Williams is inspiring people with mental illnesses all over the world

Yoga has become a popular stress-reduction technique among people in many countries. Known to improve the physical abilities of the person, yoga is also an effective treatment for depression and anxiety.

(Photo from: boredpanda.com)

Heidi Williams used the power of yoga to improve herself and her way of living. Williams was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and major depression.

Aside from these misfortunes, Williams was also a rape-victim. She almost lost her 6-month old and even attempted to commit suicide.

The practice of yoga brought back the peace in Williams’ life and she used this not only to help herself but also to help those who are suffering mental illnesses and trauma.

“It was in this place of mental illness hell that I found yoga and grace. Yoga brought me to a safe place again. A place of peace and self-acceptance,” said Williams.

Right after she recovered, Williams decided to dedicate her life to help and inspire others. She is running online support groups where the individual can go through a self-healing process and where people can connect with each other.

In her Instagram account, Williams is sharing her yoga poses with inspirational quotes as their captions. She dedicates the quotes to those who are still searching for emotional peace.

According to Harvard Medical School, yoga is an effective way to reduce the impact of exaggerated stress responses and it functions as a self-soothing technique such as meditation, relaxation, and exercise.